U18s: Switzerland beat Norway 4-1, Czechs over Slovakia 4-3

Switzerland and the Czech Republic live to play another year in the top division of the IIHF World U18 Championship, while Norway and Slovakia will be relegated to Division IA.
Switzerland vs. Norway 4-1 (0-0, 2-1, 2-0) Game SheetPhotos

DRESDEN – Switzerland survived a penalty-filled game against the Norwegians, scoring two markers on the power play and another shorthanded in a 4-1 win in the relegation round.

After a scoreless first period, Norway’s captain Magnus Hoff scored the game’s first goal on the powerplay minutes into the second frame. Switzerland responded with a power play marker of their own from defenceman Samuel Guerra and an even strength score from Lino Martschini to put themselves ahead.

The Swiss added two more in the third period to help ensure that they would remain in the top division next year. Both teams play again on Saturday, Switzerland going against the Czech Republic and the Norwegians facing off against Slovakia.

DRESDEN – In the later game, the Czech Republic scored a pair of goals in the third period to win 4-3 in a game that confirmed Slovakia’s relegation to Division I.

After Tomas Hertl scored the first goal in the opening period, the Slovaks responded with markers from Bruno Mraz and Branislav Rapac. Czech captain Lukas Sedlak scored on a penalty shot in the second period after Slovak defender Emil Bagin was called for a slash on Sedlak. Team Slovakia went up again near the end of the second with a goal by Filip Vasko on a two-man advantage.

But the Slovaks had no answer when Czech forward Jakub Matai tied the game in the third period, and having to win the match to avoid relegation the Czechs pulled their goalie, only to watch as Sedlak scored the empty netter that sealed their fate.